Blog of Orange County photographer, Tara Whitney. Features client sneak peeks and sessions, the "check it" section (where Tara shares her favorite things found online), and personal stories from her life as a woman and mother of four.
San Francisco, November 2010.
This is the second time I have photographed this gorgeous family in the city. (Original session in Alamo Square here.) We met via our mutual friend Joan, who owns Timeless Treasures. A must stop on any visit to San Francisco.
When we first met there were only four of them! I was excited to meet their newest addition and see their home. Bravo to them for having such a large family in the middle of it all, and making it work so well.
xo
Tara
It was a dark and dreary day the afternoon I met up with this family at their home in Marin. Their house still smelled like turkey cooking – I showed up the day after Thanksgiving. We played around the house and outside, utilizing their amazing surroundings as much as possible. Heaven on earth. We ended the session by starting an apple pie, something they love to do together. And lovely Lucia sent me back to my hotel with a bag of apples and pears to share with my family.
xo
Tara
Met the Skinner family while in San Francisco at Chrissy Field. Fell in love, head over heels, for all of them. Like, really. Like, really really.
I have met many children in my life, and I can tell you – this little lady here? She is probably going to be in charge of the whole entire world someday. Her spirit just overflowed – sparkled! Even at the tender age of two, you just wanted to be around her. She had me from hello. Not to leave the boys in the dust – they were wonderful – and sweet – and kind – and gentle hearted – and funny. But she absolutely captivated me. I could photograph her every single day. I wish I could!
This next shot is the something new that happened to me. As I was photographing her on the picnic table, I saw something new – something I haven’t paid attention to before. I saw the photo before I pressed the shutter, before it went into focus. And I gasped. My heart swelled. My throat closed up, tears were imminent. That happens sometimes, and it happened over and over with them. I felt like I saw what was in between us – what was really her. This out of focus, dreamy, water-color like photo energized me and excited me. I wanted to do it again. I wanted to play with this new idea right away.
And so, when I saw my next chance, I took it. And my heart sang once again. They looked painted into the scene! They looked magic. I am still not sure what it is about these ethereal out of focus photos that gets me right in the gut – but it is for the simple fact that they do – that I am taking notice. I have stumbled on something new that just clicked, and I am so grateful for it.
And then the sun set in a beautiful demonstration of pinks and purples, and it was time to say goodbye.
xo
Tara
P.S. Isn’t Mom just absolutely radiant in every photo? Pure love.
